I am kind of with Stitchy in this regard--I love being able to tinker with my watches in the morning! I appreciate the anecdotal remarks on your Leman Timezone, I hear little about BP. I will keep the thread updated!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cylon

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Very interesting perspective. Personally, I like the roman numerals and the curved date hand on the new one, but I like the size, logo placement, and moon face on the previous version. It is a bit of a wash for me. For some reason, I prefer the balance of the new one to the old one, but wish it was a little smaller.

And I kind of have the same feeling about the VM. I find it a bit stodgy, perhaps, whereas the JLC MUT Moon is a bit more refined, simplistic. However, I really appreciate the whimsical and quirky side of BP. Both appeal to me, albeit in very different ways.

Quote:

Originally Posted by rnguy001

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I feel the same way about BP and GP. In particular, GP, although I think that they shoot themselves in the foot with some of their designs *cough, seahawk.*

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cylon

GP, GO, and BP are all brands I like, yet something keeps holding me back. I generally like their aesthetic, but something is just off enough to prevent me from pulling the trigger

I think it was in stitches who said something to the effect of what usually happens is people just go to JLC as a default. I dont know what it is that makes JLC right and those other guys wrong but I find my thought patterns following that well worn groove he described.

I have to agree with that. JLC just puts out such a refined product. Although I worry that with Richemont at the helm, in the future they may start to compromise their aesthetic. Although I like the Master Compressor and the Navy Seals watches to an extent, I still think the "true" JLC is in their Master Control line. I just hope that they do not forget it. I think the problem with GP and BP is that they are so close in price to the watchmaking triumvirate. When I was looking at the BP last night, I could not help but think how close it was in pricing to a Lange Saxonia, and some rose gold offerings. And from what I have seen, BP is just not up to par in terms of finishing, at lease in regards to Lange, Patek, etc. Same thing with GP. I love the GP EOT, but at $33,000, I would much rather spring for a Lange 1.

I've seen a surprising amount of focus on the date function on TZ. I don't deny that it's useful to be able to glance down and know the date, especially on an absent minded morning, but I don't see how you can spend thousands of dollars on something with such a blatant aesthetic defect. To me it's almost as purpose defeating as a watch that is wildly inaccurate.

I probably use a watch to see the date as often as I do to see the time. Most days, my innate sense of about what time it is is good enough since I don't go to many meetings or have to catch many flights.

The date window is certainly an aesthetic challenge but I look at it as a test of design skill rather than a instafail.

I was talking once to a huge watch guy. He used to make vacations out of visiting all the various factories - IWC, JLC, Rolex, AP etc. I think he was an engineer and he was saying the Blancpain factory was incredible, and the way they engineer/manufacture their cases was spectacular. He went on about the details, but my memory sucks and I'm just not qualified to speculate on what he was saying. Needless to say, Blancpain = awesome.
I totally agree, a little under-appreciated IMO. (I feel the same way about GP btw)

one thing i would love to do one day, is spend a month or 3 in the swiss mountains visiting all the manufactures and museums..... le sigh.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cylon

GP, GO, and BP are all brands I like, yet something keeps holding me back. I generally like their aesthetic, but something is just off enough to prevent me from pulling the trigger

I think it was in stitches who said something to the effect of what usually happens is people just go to JLC as a default. I dont know what it is that makes JLC right and those other guys wrong but I find my thought patterns following that well worn groove he described.

yeah, its hard to put a finger on it, but they just end up being the watches that most people get as a 4th or 5th, not for your average guy out to just start his collection.

also, like newcomer said, a lot of their offerings are on the steeper end.

i love JLC. imo they make great watches and cover almost all price points and quality/finishing points.

Can anybody provide any information for the following watch? I do not know much about
Alfred Dunhill watches. I am familiar with Alfred Dunhill cases, attaché cases. Any help and information would be greatly appreciated!!! Thank you!
Alfred Dunhill Baby Facet Ladies' Rectangular 40 Diamond Watch with Stainless Steel Band
Model # DQ1998Z
The pictures of the watch can be found by clicking on my profile.
Again, thank you for your help and input!

I think Cartier does the best looking rectangular watches - Tank Francaise or Americaine or classic Santos. I'd frankly choose one of those over an uncomplicated Reverso.
I've seen a surprising amount of focus on the date function on TZ. I don't deny that it's useful to be able to glance down and know the date, especially on an absent minded morning, but I don't see how you can spend thousands of dollars on something with such a blatant aesthetic defect. To me it's almost as purpose defeating as a watch that is wildly inaccurate.

+1 Cartier is probably the company that is most famous for its use of rectangular cases. There is a huge variety of styles and sizes (new and vintage) to suit almost anyone's taste.

I agree 100%. Its absolutely rediculous how many nearly perfect designs are ruined by adding a date window to a dial. As of yet, none of my dress watches have a date.

Quote:

Originally Posted by CHRK33

Just wanted to resurface my question if any of the resident forum experts have thoughts. Thanks in advance.

As for your Daytona issue, while I've heard of people wanting their birth year for a watch, trying to find one in good shape that comes up for sale from 1979 could be quite difficult. There are a few sources that regularly get manual wind Daytonas, but how long it would take them to get one from 1979 is anybody's guess. You could contact Jame Dowling, he is in England. However, you have to pick it up there or have a designated agent pick it up for you. Rolex has very extreme customs laws in the US and as such Mr. Dowling will not ship watches to the States. As for pricing, the time to have gotten one of these for a fair or good price has long gone. in the 1990s you could get a non-Paul Newman Dial for about $8,000. Now I regularly see average condition models in roughly the 24,000-28,000 range...whether a seller will give you a break depends on the seller. For true top quality example with box and papers expect to pay more than that. Check Paul Duggan's website , he is in Boston and he always has a few. He has a great reputation although I've never dealt with him. I'm very fussy about condition, so most of his Daytonas when I've seen them on line, they might be in very good shape for roughly 35 year old watches, but they just are not in a condition that would make me happy. If you are more concerned about year than condition, you might be able to get into a Daytona at the lower end of the average price range. Good luck.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Newcomer

I echo Cyclon's sentiments. Dino may be able to help you out over here, but you may have better luck on TZ or TPP.
Also, does anyone have any feelings on the Blancpain Villeret Annual Calendar with Moonphase? I just realized that it is potentially in my budget, and it is always a watch I have admired... I cannot find a lick of information about it online though, unfortunately.
And more pics: http://www.europeanwatch.com/16977.htm#_self
Also, as an addendum... I know this may just turn out to be a dumb distraction, but it is always good to exhaust one's options before making a decision.

Great quality, but I've always had trouble getting excited about BP's designs. I find them a bit sterile. But if you like the design, its a very well made watch.

Wow, the Novecento perpetual is gorgeous:
If it had a second hand, I would be all over this. Makes you wonder how in the world IWC went so far astray with the aesthetics of the Da Vinci line.

Far nicer and more impressive than their current direction!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cylon

GP, GO, and BP are all brands I like, yet something keeps holding me back. I generally like their aesthetic, but something is just off enough to prevent me from pulling the trigger

I think it was in stitches who said something to the effect of what usually happens is people just go to JLC as a default. I dont know what it is that makes JLC right and those other guys wrong but I find my thought patterns following that well worn groove he described.

Agree completely. For some reason, I'd just feel more comfortable spending money on a JLC the a GP, GO, or BP.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Axelman 17

This sounds like an atrocity.

I'm not saying wearing 2 watches at the same time looks great, but it was impressive to see both of those "in the wild." That was back in the day when many watch companies didn't have website, putting photos on the net was tougher, and your two best sources for seeing fine watches was your local watch shop or calling the company for a catalog.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Newcomer

I have to agree with that. JLC just puts out such a refined product. Although I worry that with Richemont at the helm, in the future they may start to compromise their aesthetic. Although I like the Master Compressor and the Navy Seals watches to an extent, I still think the "true" JLC is in their Master Control line. I just hope that they do not forget it. I think the problem with GP and BP is that they are so close in price to the watchmaking triumvirate. When I was looking at the BP last night, I could not help but think how close it was in pricing to a Lange Saxonia, and some rose gold offerings. And from what I have seen, BP is just not up to par in terms of finishing, at lease in regards to Lange, Patek, etc. Same thing with GP. I love the GP EOT, but at $33,000, I would much rather spring for a Lange 1.
Just my 2c.

GP should probably get away from sports watches. The Seahawk is a mess, and WTF is with the Laureato? It started out as something like a RO, Nautilus, 222, Ingenuier, and it has morphed into some hideous cartoon version of its origial design. They should stick to dress watches. I've tried on the EOT in rose gold and its simply stunning. But when I heard the price, it just made me think that's Lange territory and I just wouldn't put that kind of money into a GP. In the under $20K range its an interesting option, but even then I'd be more likely to defer to JLC or Piaget.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dadaa

Basically a fashion watch with quartz movement. Nothing very significant about it. But if your gf/wife likes it thats what matters.

Very nice. Rarely does one find an in-house chronograph and annual calendar in a sub-$10,000 price segment. It does not look as lifeless as I though it did in photos. It actually looks very handsome, and versatile. A nice dress / sport watch. I think Zenith ought to start using a bigger movement, however, or smaller cases.